Penampang: The Kaamatan (Harvest Festival) celebration this year was not only witnessed by visitors to the state, but also by the people via live stream, said the festival's Main Implementation and Coordinating Committee chairman Datuk Seri Dr Maximus Ongkili.

"During the Sugandoi (singing competition) on May 22, the organiser made the show available for live viewing via www.kdca.org.my/livestreaming.

"The support exceeded our expectations, as we had more than 100,000 viewers," he said at the closing of the festival at Hongkod Koisaan here, adding that the committee was looking forward to broadcasting more live programmes in the future.

Ongkili, who is also Energy, Green Technology and Water Minister, said the live streaming was part of initiatives to improve and fulfil requirements by the people, including those from other countries, to be a part of the celebration.

On May 1, 30 Commonwealth parliamentary association members attended the festival launch in Tambunan.

Besides that, there were request from China and Korea to document the Kadazandusun and Murut cultures during the final two-day celebration at the Hongkod Koisaan here.

He said the state and federal governments were supportive when the time came to organise the festival, with an allocation of more than RM1 million for infrastructure development and activities.

Chief Minister Datuk Seri Musa Aman, said the festival, themed "Peace and Unity Through Culture" was a unifying factor for the multiracial people of Sabah.

"Although Kaamatan is synonymous with the Kadazandusun, Murut and Rungus people, other races and religions also come together to celebrate the festivities.

"The festival should not be associated only with the Unduk Ngadau beauty pageant.

"Although the beauty pegeant is the highlight of the festival, as it showcases the beauty of Sabah's people, the celebration also of Sabah's many cultures and traditions."